Adeyanju Joins Probe Into 37 Miners’ Deaths
Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has been inaugurated as a member of the 10-man independent committee constituted by the Federal Government to investigate the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The committee was inaugurated in Abuja on Tuesday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
The 37 detainees reportedly died on September 17, 2026, while in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command, although the circumstances and causes of their deaths have yet to be conclusively established.
Adeyanju’s inclusion in the committee comes amid growing demands for accountability and clarity over the incident, with the activist pledging to ensure that the interests of the victims are adequately represented throughout the investigation.
Speaking on his participation, Adeyanju said he accepted the assignment as a national duty, stressing that his primary objective was to help establish the truth surrounding the deaths and ensure that justice is served.
He warned that any attempt to suppress facts, compromise the investigation or shield individuals found culpable would not be tolerated, adding that efforts to cover up wrongdoing would be exposed.
The human rights lawyer also disclosed that he would personally bear the costs of his accommodation, transportation and other expenses connected with the assignment.
He further urged that no stipends or honoraria be paid to members of the committee, underscoring his commitment to serving in the interest of the victims and the pursuit of accountability.
Committee Given Two Weeks to Submit Report
According to the Ministry of Interior, the committee is mandated to establish the identities of the deceased, investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and determine the cause and manner of their deaths through appropriate medical and forensic examinations.
It is also expected to ascertain whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or any breach of duty occurred in connection with the incident.
The committee will subsequently recommend appropriate disciplinary measures, compensation where applicable, and safeguards to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
The committee will subsequently recommend appropriate disciplinary measures, compensation where applicable, and safeguards to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
The Federal Government has given the committee two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its findings to the Minister of Interior.
The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Jonathan Kure, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as secretary.
Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor Olayinka Buhari, a professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government; Alhaji Liman Sulaiman of the Miners Association of Nigeria; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and Dr George Agbakahi, a public affairs analyst.
NSCDC Officers Suspended
To facilitate the investigation, the Federal Government has authorised the committee to access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident, conduct forensic examinations, engage experts where necessary and receive memoranda from members of the public.
The NSCDC leadership and relevant officers have also been directed to cooperate fully with the probe and preserve all records and material evidence relating to the incident.
Meanwhile, the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The suspension is part of the measures taken as the government seeks to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and determine whether any individual or institutional responsibility arose from the arrest, detention or deaths of the 37 suspected miners.
The outcome of the probe is expected to provide clarity on the circumstances of the incident, identify any lapses or wrongdoing and guide the Federal Government’s response, including possible disciplinary action and compensation for the victims where applicable.
